Who would have thought that the infamous, squishy and quirky footwear, Crocs, would finally make their so-called comeback on the runways of Christopher Kane and Balenciaga? The term, high-fashion, and the company, Crocs, don’t necessarily seem acceptable to be used in the same sentence…but here we are.

Once an immediate hit when first released in 2004, Crocs lost their luster during the economic collapse in 2008, coupled with a saturated market. Designer, Christopher Kane, first leveraged the equal parts of love and hate surrounding the Crocs brand to make a statement on the runway of his SS17 show. Elegant, high-fashion models stomped down the runway in marble print and earth-tone styles of the clog, topped off with none other than rough mineral stone Jibbitz: a signature piece designed especially for the collaboration.

It came to no surprise when Kane released two more collaborations with the brand, one featuring a fierce tiger print, embellished with an ostrich feather and floral Jibbitz, as well as a luxurious mink fur and sheepskin lined design. The alleged revival of the slightly awkward, perceivably ‘ugly’ shoe, led many designers to consider the naive and childlike shape of the clog charming, and even elegant when worn with jeans or evening gowns alike.

Predictably, the fashion crowd reacted with mixed thoughts when Balenciaga sent models down the runway at SS18 Paris Fashion Week show in sky-high crocs. Yes, you read that right. Nearly four-inch Platform Crocs.

Balenciaga and Crocs have teamed up to create “Foam” shoes, a modern rendition of the classic Crocs clog. Balenciaga had taken the rather unexpected initiative and approached Crocs, with the intentions of pushing the boundaries of the clogs’ classic design to see what they could create.

According to a press release, Michelle Poole from Crocs stated: “Working with Balenciaga has been so much fun for our team, and once again demonstrates the relevance of our iconic clog in today’s fashion and design world, as well as allowing us to tap into the excitement and energy that comes from unexpected partnerships.”

The couture clogs come in a series of garden-esc shades, including bright yellow, earthy green, and a brilliant pink, accessorized with signature Balenciaga Jibbitz. Despite the hubbub surrounding the shocking collaboration, the “Foams” are undeniably eye-catching. Fans who are willing to take the daring plunge into Crocs territory will have to wait until the “Foams” are available exclusively at Balenciaga worldwide and on the Balenciaga website this spring.